Title: Financial Constraints Shape Persepolis FC’s Transfer Strategy
In an exclusive interview following his departure from Persepolis FC, club official Mehrad Khanban detailed the significant financial hurdles that prevented the team from securing its primary transfer targets ahead of the new season. The revelations highlight the complex interplay between sports management and fiscal realities in Iran’s premier football league.
A Market Hampered by Fiscal Limitations
Khanban confirmed that Persepolis was forced to abandon plans to sign several key players due to the club’s inability to meet the requested transfer fees. This financial bottleneck had a direct impact on the team’s readiness, leaving them with a notable shortage in critical positions as the season commenced.
One of the most prominent cases involved Iranian striker Shahriar Moghanlou. “Despite the player’s own strong desire to join Persepolis and contribute,” Khanban explained, “a financial agreement between the two clubs could not be reached.” This failure to secure a deal left the team starting the competition with a depleted attacking line.
Missed Opportunities on the International Stage
The financial constraints also extended to the international market. Khanban revealed that the club had identified and extensively scouted foreign talents during their training camp in Turkey, dedicating a majority of their time to evaluating these prospects.
A specific missed opportunity was Blaž Kramer, a striker for the Slovenian national team. Khanban described him as the “perfect partner” for Ali Alipour, praising his technical skills, aerial ability, and finishing. However, the transfer collapsed over the release clause. “The club could not pay the amount they wanted, which I believe was around 1.6 million,” Khanban stated. By the time Persepolis’s management later decided to allocate more funds for transfers, competing clubs had already entered the market and these specific players were no longer available.
Navigating a Challenging Pre-Season
The official’s comments paint a picture of a club navigating a challenging and dynamic transfer environment. Strategic decisions, such as the temporary departure of Sardar Dorson to free up a slot for a new striker, were ultimately undermined by the inability to finalize a deal for Moghanlou. This series of events culminated in Persepolis embarking on their new campaign with a squad that management acknowledges is not at its full potential, a direct consequence of the financial challenges faced during the transfer window.